2. The reports on this site stem from patient or client allegations and are public
record. The site contains a listing of only those claims in which an insurer made
a payment to a claimant to satisfy a judgment or reach a settlement, which companies
sometimes do because it's less costly than fighting the matter in court. Consumers
should also note that:

(a) Some providers and institutions covered by the closed claims law will not appear
in this listing for various other reasons. For example, some may not carry professional
liability insurance; and, others may be self-insured.

(b) Some of the closed claims -- because they date back many years -- involve professionals
who have moved, retired or passed away. Likewise, some institutions may no longer
exist; or, they may have changed names.

(c) Over the years, the claims reporting forms have changed. Prior to March 1988,
for example, insurers could only report the name of a law firm instead of the name
of the individual lawyer deemed responsible for the claim. In any event, neither
the number nor amount of any claim is necessarily an indicator of professional competence
or quality.

3. Consumers are advised to discuss and verify all information with the professional
service provider or institution, and check all identifying factors to avoid confusion
with similar names. Instructions for obtaining additional information from a closed
claim report can be found by clicking here. (The average
report is five pages long.)

4. Additional information from the Florida Medical Association, the Florida Hospital
Association and certain HMOs can be viewed by clicking here.

5. Neither the Department of Financial Services nor the State of Florida accepts
legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of
this information on closed claim reports filed by insurers.

6. Inappropriate use of any closed claims information to make incomplete or misleading
comparisons of professional providers or institutions may violate the law.